Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1887-05-28
ANGRY IRISHMEN.
Fitzgerald Denounced For Preventing
O'Brien's Visit to Philadelphia

Fitzgerald Denounced For Preventing
O'Brien's Visit to Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA, May 27.-Mueh-mo6-
bed Editor 0'Brien bas cancelled his en-
gagement to lecture in this city, and
Philadelphia Irish-Americans are IN the
widest throes of indignation at Judge
John Fitzgerald, of Lincoln, Neb., Presi-
dent of the Natinnal League in America.
They charge him with the responsibility
of Mr.. O'Brien's action.
The matter was fully discussed by the
Municipal Council of the Irish National
League at an executive session held after
its open meeting in PhilOpatrian Hall.
Chairman Hugh McCaffrey and delegates
from sixteen branches in this city, includ-
ing Robert WcWade, State Delegate
Michael j. Ryan, Hugh DOnnelly and
Patrick DuDlevy, took part in the discus
sion. Since the adjournment of that meet
ing Patrick Fitzgerald has been openly
charged with unwarrantable interference
in making false representations to MIR.
OBrien which will result in preventing
his contemplated visit To Philadelphia.
Some time ago Mr.. OBrien accepted the
unanimous invitation of the Municipal
Council to appear here on the lecture plat
form, He fixed the date June , as best
suiting his convenience, and all the pre-
paratiOns had been perfected for his COM
ing A monster reception, which IN
cluded the renting Of two halls, was
planned, and all preparations were made
at considerable expense by the committees
appointed for that purpose. Ten thous-
and or more men had promised to take
part in an immense parade. At least Sl,-
600 profit from the lecture was gu9ran-
teed for the Anti-EVictiOn fund. The
preparations also contemplated social dem
OmstratlOns, i'll which a reception by the
Journalists Club and q citizens banquet
largely figured.
II is alleged that during the latter part
of last week President Fitzgerald set the
ball rolling which has crushed the bright
hopes of the Philadelphia friends OF Ire
land, by telegraphing to Mr.. O'Brien IN
structing him not TO go TO Philadelphia,
rs there was diSSenSiOn among the IRISH
Americans there and a serious division IN
the League. The first lntimation OF the
trouble received here was through mes
sage from Mr.. O'Brien to Hugh McCatlfey,
First Vice President Ofthe National League,
cancelling his engagement with the NUM-
cipal Council.
The blow was severely felt by the Phil
adelphia members OF the League. John
lO'Donnell. President Of the Wolfe Tone
Branch, took the first train to Niagara
Falls i'm the hope of securing from Mr.
~ =
action. lie went fully accredited. On
his arrival there Mr.. O'Brien Immediately
put him in possession of the reasons for hlS
telegram canceling the engagement. He
reported the matter in this city and a very
lively interchange OF letters and kilograms
between Philadelphia and Lincoln follow
ed, but Fitzgerald was immOvable. An
other determined onset was made IN Mr..
O'Brien's direction, and for few days he
wavered in his determination. The sus-
pense was ended yesterday afternoon,
when Mr.. O'Brien telegraphed, finally de-
clining to come to tii,s city.
Members Of the League freely denoUnce
Fitzgerald's action III interfering with the
! local arrangements of the branches here us
without justification. They regard it asa
ulTetJ, IL nOl IL DtiSbLi,tl "lllN''I w i''' i"'
mediate subordinate, Hugh McCatlrey,
who is President OF the Philadelphia Mu-
nicipal Council AS well as First Vice PreSi-
dent of the National League. The mem
bers ci;iu. that the membership OF the
League in this city is more harmonious, IS
more closely united to their personal rela-
tions, is hetter organized aS body, anu
that the city has contributed more money
( to the irish cause than any other two cities
in the United States.
President Fit19eralds interference can
not be explained by any adequate reason
within the knowledge of any member of
the League in Philadelphia, but it is sur
missed that the President of the League has
been miSled by representations made by
some of the members of the Free Soil or
Manayunk branches which were recently
dropped from the council for nOn-payment
/ ~ Auag